Podcasts about Amen

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Genesis 34-36; Luke 14 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, friends! Today's episode is a dive into the rich and transformative pages of Scripture on this 14th day of January. I'm your host, Hunter, and together, we'll read through the Bible in a year, experiencing the life-changing love of Jesus. We'll start our day's journey in Genesis 34-36, where we'll explore the intense stories of Jacob, his daughter Dinah, and the unfolding of his family's complex dynamics. Then, we'll move into the New Testament with Luke 14, reflecting on Jesus' powerful teachings about humility, discipleship, and the Kingdom of God. In addition, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your prayers during my family's recent trials and share our gratitude for the healing we've experienced. Join me in prayer and reflection as we seek to understand and embody God's word in our lives. Let's journey together, finding strength in God's joy and remembering that we are deeply loved. Tune in, and let's embrace the transformative power of Scripture. You don't want to miss this compelling episode! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Our arrogance and pride will inevitably put us at the head of the table, and putting ourselves at the head of the table will inevitably lead to our humiliation and our ruin. That's what this Pharisee and these teachings in Luke 14 point out. And inevitably, when we make this life about us, we miss out altogether on the party that God has prepared. That's what it seems to tell us here in this parable of the banquet. There's nothing wrong with having land or oxen, having a wife. There's nothing bad about these things. These are blessings. These are and can be very good. But when they become ultimate things, they blind us to the gift that God is offering us because they become idols, and idols inevitably blind us. They fool us into thinking that we are the main character in this movie, that this life is my project. It's my story. We imagine that we sit at the head of the table in our own movie. Our spouse, our parents, our children, they are the supporting cast. We can begin to think that maybe it's all about us, and this posture in life will lead to a rude awakening someday. That's why Jesus says that we have to hate all of it in comparison to our love for God. Because in the end, it will rob us of life. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will see the richness and the reward, the party that has been prepared for those who receive and participate, who repent and believe that every good and perfect gift comes down from God the Father of lights, that he is the source, and that every human being, no matter how humble they might be, have been invited into his very life. The prayer of my soul is that I will sit there at the foot of the table with great joy at the life that I have in him. That I will learn the ways of self-giving love and follow him. That's a prayer that I have for my family too, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Welcome to Day 2544 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2544 – Old Testament Orientation – What is the Old Testament? Putnam Church Message – 01/05/2024 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 1: What is the Old Testament? Last week was the final Sunday of 2024, and our focus was to press forward with a message titled “A Christ-Centered Perspective on the New Year.” This week, we are starting a new series called Old Testament Orientation. Unlike a deep dive into a particular book, this series will be a mile wide and a foot deep. We will take on the mindset of an ancient Israelite and God's plan of redemption for humankind. We will invest the first quarter of 2025 covering an Old Testament Orientation, and the second quarter of 2025 with a New Testament Orientation. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we come into Your presence with hearts eager to learn and grow. As we begin this journey through the Old Testament, help us to see Your story of redemption, love, and purpose. Open our minds to understand, and let our hearts be transformed by Your Word. Guide this time together, and may all we do glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Introduction What is the Old Testament? For many, this question stirs thoughts of thick genealogies, ancient laws, or confusing prophecies. Yet, the Old Testament is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of God's grand story. It sets the stage for the New Testament and introduces us to the God who creates, redeems, and sustains. I like the tagline that The Bible Project uses. The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. In both of our series, we will connect this unified story. (Tapestry) The Old Testament is like a vast tapestry, each thread holding a unique story that contributes to the overall masterpiece of God's plan. When we study it, we uncover the deep emotions of loss, hope, and faith. It teaches us that even during the most challenging times, like the Israelites in exile, God's presence is a promise of restoration and love, urging us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. This message will cover three key aspects: The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament How the Old Testament Was Preserved The Authority and Relevance of the Old Testament Today Let's dive in, not just to gain knowledge, but to deepen our relationship with the Author behind the text. The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament The Challenge of Anonymous Authorship Most Old Testament books do not name their authors explicitly. For example, Moses is traditionally considered the author of the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), yet his name does not appear in the opening verses. This anonymity reflects the communal and oral culture of the ancient Near East. Story Illustration #1: Imagine a group of people passing down family stories at a campfire. Each storyteller adds vivid details, but the heart of the story remains the same. Similarly, the Old Testament emerged from a culture that valued the collective preservation of truth over individual credit. Story Illustration #2: Consider a seasoned storyteller sitting by the fire, narrating tales of ancient...

Dr. Daniel Amen, groundbreaking physician, psychiatrist and clinic director, has helped people for decades achieve mental wellness by teaching them how to make better choices with their diet and lifestyle in order to be more in tune with their brain's health and function. The founder of Amen Clinics and BrainMD, Dr. Amen shares with Zach Clinton the steps anyone can take to optimize mental acuity and better brain health. Dr. Amen’s clinical expertise provides hope to those struggling mentally, and even helps parents in the midst of raising kids whose brains are still developing. He presents practical challenges that can launch you on the road to better metal health and resiliency, exclusively in today’s conversation. Amen University: https://www.amenuniversity.com/blogs/news/dr-amen-change-your-brain-and-life-brain-health?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=22090313956&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp4O8BhAkEiwAqv2UqAOLpiWV6fenwP3Np1oTvhIkEMb0ymZZy3ju-xRsX1NIBunYbJP0_hoCrEUQAvD_BwE Amen Clinics: https://www.amenclinics.com/ Pick up Dr. Amen’s Book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Mentally-Strong-Kids-Neuroscience/dp/1496484797/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EmhDR7t-llqS-WWgJjn_g-FIfw8f89iybs0Eq6sxVgGJm_MnzPSWpzDAEZjOiatNpQOgD35Z9xCDDudWRgAaYsV5zKdQkwc982L-yrcMGoO9qK8HSM6CIj6XuNdOSHS1Q8zBwfoenQIxY1zSiSugJ20GHcOGjMHIgwMuptE1EYNe9hszHxa0R1euel1rP2G4vh3fG1jryJ9T_dbPk3nVHr9NYB7dbjXNTSxOZLehKHs.1E2FuGliV7do45vt5eOvxkI2zca1EiYcE8Zehk_qoHA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=700283968455&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9008908&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9074856537415198683&hvtargid=kwd-2299179502235&hydadcr=15554_13558538&keywords=raising+mentally+strong+kids+amen&qid=1736524572&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Genesis 31-33;Luke 13 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible with your host, Hunter. On today's episode, we close out the second week of our spiritual journey through scriptures and prayer, focusing on growth, healing, and the importance of community. We delve into the compelling story of Jacob and Laban's covenant at Mispah, Jacob's dramatic encounters with God, and his reconciliation with Esau. We'll also explore teachings from Jesus about repentance, salvation, and the transformative power of faith, using rich parables and profound metaphors. Hunter, our Bible reading coach, guides us through this spiritual passage, aiming to complete the entire Bible in a year. Join us in this season of Epiphany, as we seek deeper revelations of God's love and presence together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He leads us towards reconciliation and transformation. As we read through Genesis chapters 31-33 and Luke chapter 13, we are invited to reflect on the profound and transformative power of reconciliation and divine intervention. The journey we witness in Jacob's life shows us the paths of struggle, fear, exodus, and finally, reunification. We see Jacob carefully following God's instructions to return to his homeland, even amidst the hostility he faces from Laban's sons and the change in Laban's attitude. Witness how God reassures Jacob of His divine presence throughout his journey, guiding him toward reconciliation and peace. When Jacob confronts Laban, their escalating conflict ultimately resolves in a covenant of peace marked by a monument of stones, a powerful symbol of their pledged boundary and mutual respect under God's witness. This story mirrors our own journeys. It reveals how, even in times of tension and adversity, God's guidance can lead to reconciliation and peace. As Jacob proceeds to meet his estranged brother Esau, we see him wrestling with fear and anxious hope for reconciliation. His night-long struggle with a divine figure, resulting in his renaming to "Israel" and his receipt of God's blessing, symbolizes the profound transformation that emerges from our deepest struggles. Consider also how Jacob's tentative, divided approach to meeting Esau reflects our own fears in facing conflict. His prayer for protection and his offering of gifts are acts of humility and a plea for grace —steps toward reconciliation. Remarkably, when Jacob and Esau finally meet, their encounter culminates not in violence, but in a heartfelt embrace and reconciliation. In Luke 13, Jesus challenges us to reflect on the nature of repentance and the unexpected ways God's kingdom unfolds among us. He speaks of Galileans and the tragedy of the tower of Siloam, pointing not to divine punishment, but to the universal need for repentance to avoid perishing. The parable of the fig tree granted another year embodies the patience and second chances God offers us. Jesus' healing of the crippled woman on the Sabbath defies the indignation of the religious leaders but illustrates the transformative and liberating power of God's kingdom. Moreover, the metaphors of the mustard seed and yeast capture the expansive and permeating influence of faith, which starts small but transforms everything it touches. We also see Jesus cautioning about the difficulty of entering God's kingdom, stressing the importance of being known by God. His unwavering commitment in the face of Herod's threat exemplifies his dedication to God's mission. Much like Jacob's wrestling with God, our faith journey often involves deep struggle and self-emptying. In these moments of struggle, we are invited to enter into God's transformative work, which reconciles and renews. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to experience and extend the love, peace, and transformation that only He can provide. We're invited into this divine wrestling match, to struggle with our fears, face our conflicts head-on, and ultimately, to be transformed and reconciled both with God and others. Let us embrace this message of reconciliation and transformation. Let us live out our faith with the assurance that God's presence is with us, guiding every step. As we walk this journey together, may we be lights of this kingdom, bringing God's love and peace into every corner of our lives. That's my prayer for each of us today. May we walk in the transformative power of reconciliation and embrace our identity as citizens of His kingdom. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Crossroads Church Podcast

For Daily Prayers and more become a Member on PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Year 1 - 1979 Daily Office LectionaryOpening Words:I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.Isaiah 49:6b Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia. Psalm 95:1-7The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God,and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 11Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *nor lingered in the way of sinners,nor sat in the seats of the scornful!2Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *and they meditate on his law day and night.3They are like trees planted by streams of water,bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *everything they do shall prosper.4It is not so with the wicked; *they are like chaff which the wind blows away.5Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *but the way of the wicked is doomed. Psalm 21Why are the nations in an uproar? *Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?2Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,and the princes plot together, *against the Lord and against his Anointed?3“Let us break their yoke,” they say; *“let us cast off their bonds from us.”4He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *the Lord has them in derision.5Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *and his rage fills them with terror.6“I myself have set my king *upon my holy hill of Zion.”7Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *he said to me, “You are my Son;this day have I begotten you.8Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *and the ends of the earth for your possession.9You shall crush them with an iron rod *and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”10And now, you kings, be wise; *be warned, you rulers of the earth.11Submit to the Lord with fear, *and with trembling bow before him;12Lest he be angry and you perish; *for his wrath is quickly kindled.13Happy are they all *who take refuge in him! Psalm 31Lord, how many adversaries I have! *how many there are who rise up against me!2How many there are who say of me, *“There is no help for him in his God.”3But you, O Lord, are a shield about me; *you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.4I call aloud upon the Lord, *and he answers me from his holy hill;5I lie down and go to sleep; *I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.6I do not fear the multitudes of people *who set themselves against me all around.7Rise up, O Lord; set me free, O my God; *surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face,you will break the teeth of the wicked.8Deliverance belongs to the Lord. *Your blessing be upon your people! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsIsa. 40:12-23A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand        and marked off the heavens with a span,    enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure        and weighed the mountains in scales        and the hills in a balance?    Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord,        or what man shows him his counsel?    Whom did he consult,        and who made him understand?    Who taught him the path of justice,        and taught him knowledge,        and showed him the way of understanding?    Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,        and are accounted as the dust on the scales;        behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.    Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,        nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.    All the nations are as nothing before him,        they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.            To whom then will you liken God,        or what likeness compare with him?    An idol! A craftsman casts it,        and a goldsmith overlays it with gold        and casts for it silver chains.    He who is too impoverished for an offering        chooses wood that will not rot;    he seeks out a skillful craftsman        to set up an idol that will not move.            Do you not know? Do you not hear?        Has it not been told you from the beginning?        Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?    It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,        and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;    who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,        and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;    who brings princes to nothing,        and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you; You are the Lord: we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of deathand opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saintsto glory everlasting. Eph. 1:1-14A Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians.Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,  To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Mark 1:1-13A Reading from the Gospel According to Mark.The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,    “Behold, I send my messenger before your face,        who will prepare your way,    the voice of one crying in the wilderness:        ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,        make his paths straight,'”              John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus DeusBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Suffrages BV. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.V. Day by day we bless you;R. We praise your name for ever.V. Lord, keep us from all sin today;R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;R. For we put our trust in you.V. In you, Lord, is our hope;R. And we shall never hope in vain. The CollectsCollect of the DayFather in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Dear Draft Class. I do not often speak with you and ask for things, but now I really must insist that you help me win the election tomorrow because I deserve it and Paul Metzler doesn't, as you well know. I realize that it was your divine hand that disqualified Tammy Metzler and now I'm asking that you go that one last mile and make sure to put me in office where I belong so that I may carry out your will on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.Is there a more delightful person than America's Sweetheart? She has given us quite an array of entertainment over the years, so what say we put some smiles on all of our faces by basking in the warm glow of, REESE WITHERSPOON!Joining Jon Saks for 2 Rounds of the REESE WITHERSPOON Draft - SPECIAL GUESTS!Frank BonacciAmanda Van NostrandRobert AllenCheck out Amanda in the feature film, "Fog"Currently available on Tubi!"Let us know what Draft you would like to listen to by sending us a message!"Support the show

Today's Passage: Romans 8:1-11There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Today's Prayer: Father, you are the one who brings us from death to life.You release us from the failures of our flesh And freely give us the life and peace that is ours in the Spirit. You sent your Spirit as our Helper and our Advocate.You promised that he would dwell within us And intercede on our behalf according to your will. Lord, increase our desire for your Spirit today.Your Word tells us in John 6 “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” We thirst for your living water today.Strip away the things that distract us.Help us understand that only the water of the living God will satisfy. We need more of you today. Amen. NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Do you ever feel like something's missing in your life? Think about it right now. Maybe something just popped in your head as I asked that question. Or maybe you're mostly happy except for the rare occasion when you find yourself sleepless, when you're feeling completely worn out. Whatever it is, I want to tell you, there's someone who knows your deepest needs. It's God. He has a wonderful plan for your life…for your thriving. Do you want this? Pray with me right now: Oh, Heavenly Father, I believe that You love me so much that You sent Your Son. Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross in my place. You took the punishment for my sin, to bring me into the restored relationship with You. Please forgive me. I offer my life to you. Holy Spirit, come in, take over, and lead me to life that is truly life. In Jesus name, Amen. Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau. "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires." Psalm 37:4 radio.hopewithgod.com Find out more at https://hopewithgod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Find out in today's episode! Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan, let's find out what that even means!GOOD SAMARITANHey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week's lesson, Good Samaritan, with your child after they've listened to the story!Jesus told a story. Who was today's Bible story about?A Samaritan man.A Jewish man was hurt – he had lots of owies. A Samaritan man came. He helped the Jewish man. Let's say, Hooray for the Samaritan man. It is good to help people when they are hurt.God made people because he loves everyone. Can you point to someone God made?Help your child point to you and to themselves!Jesus is happy when we help someone and we can be happy, too. Show me your happiest happy face.Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage them to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:“God, thank you for making us. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for wanting to be our friend. Help us to help people just like the Good Samaritan. We love you! Amen.”Parent Encouragement - The Good SamaritanHey Parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by and get ideas from this week to make the Good Samaritan lesson part of your everyday conversation with your toddler at home!DownloadToddler Coloring Page - The Good SamaritanAs your child colors this coloring page, they will be reminded of today's Bible story and that God made them! There are additional coloring pages with familiar faces from today's lesson, too.DownloadToddler Craft – The Good Samaritan BadgesThis week, your child will create a Good Samaritan badge to remind them they can help people just like the Good Samaritan helped in the Bible story.DownloadToddler Activity – Find the Hurt ManIn this activity, your child will find the hurt man hiding under a cup. They will remember they can be like the Good Samaritan. When they see someone who is hurt, they can help.DownloadNavigating Parenthood Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this Two-Minute Tip, How to Help Your Children See Themselves Through God's Eyes Pt.1, all about solidifying the basis of your child's identity through three words.Download

Monday, 13 January 2025   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21   “For where your treasure, it is, there also your heart, it will be” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of amassing treasures in heaven, noting that earthly treasures can be stolen or eaten up. With that remembered, He next says, “For where your treasure, it is, there also your heart, it will be.”   This is a link right back to the book of Joshua and the story Achan. He was fixated on earthly treasure, and that is where his heart was. It cost him everything –   “And Achan answered Joshua and said, ‘Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.' 22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver under it. 23 And they took them from the midst of the tent, brought them to Joshua and to all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the Lord. 24 Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, ‘Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.' So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 Then they raised over him a great heap of stones, still there to this day. So the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.” Joshua 7: 20-26   On the other hand David had great wealth, but it did not possess him. Instead, he was a man of faith, and his heart was set on the Lord. The few times he is noted as having failed the Lord, it also notes that his heart was contrite, and he mourned over his blunders. David's treasure, above all else, was the Lord, and that is where his heart also was –   “Furthermore King David said to all the assembly: ‘My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced; and the work is great, because the temple is not for man but for the Lord God. 2 Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance. 3 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: 4 three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses; 5 the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?'” 1 Chronicles 29:1-5   Life application: There is nothing wrong with possessing wealth or protecting that wealth for the future. In fact, Proverbs says –   “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22   One cannot save up for his children's children if he doesn't possess wealth to some degree. The point of the Bible's words concerning this matter is essentially, “Are you master over wealth, or is your wealth master over you.”   Be wise concerning earning and saving, but also let your heart be directed to the Lord above all else.   Heavenly Father, help us to be responsible with the blessings You have bestowed upon us. If we squander what we have, it shows that our priorities were not directed toward You in the first place. Instead, we carelessly handled Your blessing upon us. At the same time, may we never let our possessions possess us. May You always be our hearts' desire. Amen.  

Passage: 17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.' 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.” (Genesis 14:17-24 ESV) Song: High Priest (https://open.spotify.com/track/5f36B77R5uSj8A3aTxqQJC?si=26cd661283a24d49) by Jonathan Ogden Lyrics: Oh the humility Of a King inside a manger Our shepherd and our saviour on the cross You gave Your life for me Now how can I repay You? All the riches I could gain are not enough You are the Prince of Peace You're our Great High Priest You have made a way for me You have set me free You got thirsty You got tired You were tempted You were tried And You can fully sympathise Cause You know just what it's like to live this life Fully God and fully man Who can fully comprehend the mystery? You are the Prince of Peace You're our Great High Priest You have made a way for me You have set me free I've found freedom in You Jesus There is nothing in between us You turn mourning into dancing And sorrow into joy oh Lord Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen. -The Book of Common Prayer

"Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'” - 1 Samuel 1-3 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

I Am Chosen (Identity Series)John 15:16 “God has chosen you and has set you aside for a special purpose.”God has chosen you, yes, you! Sometimes, it is hard to believe that statement. We can clearly see why God chose some people, but cannot see why he would choose us. We are broken, we're not worthy, and we are not enough. We believe that the saints were extraordinary people, and so, of course, God chose them. We see movie stars, musicians and speakers and think that they have an incredible life because that is just how they were made. Something I am constantly hearing in the personal development world is that you should not compare your beginning to someone else's ending. This means that you should not compare where you are at in your journey to someone else who is further along in his or her journey. If you look at the beginning of some of the saint's lives I think you would be surprised where they started. I have been watching a series on YouTube lately that is called “The Chosen.” It is a portrayal of Jesus's life during his three years of ministry. You get to see the apostles in their lives before they were called to follow Jesus. It is amazing to me to see the apostles as regular people, people like you and I. I believe we tend to put famous people up on a pedestal.  We think that we could never be like them. But the thing is, they were not always like they are now. They made a choice to say yes and to follow Jesus. Jesus is the one who transformed them into who they are now.While watching the series, I saw Simon, who was a fisherman, argue with his wife, try to cheat his in-laws in a fight, and turn in fellow Jews who were fishing on Shabbat, and he was very behind on his taxes. He did not seem like the type of person that one would pick to be the leader of God's Kingdom on earth. Jesus saw Simon and Andrew fishing and asked them to come and follow him. Matthew 4:19 “And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” What I like best about watching this on screen is that you get to see how the apostles reacted. Both Andrew & Simon looked at each other and then followed Him. They did not think for more than a minute before they left all that they knew to follow this man they had just met. Later, they are retelling the story, and they admit that they have no idea what it even means to be fishers of men, yet they are all in. There are many different translations of this verse, but they all have the phrase “I will make you…” I think this is important to note because it reminds us that the apostles did not become changed men on their own. They made the choice to follow Jesus, and then, through him, they were changed. I know some of you may be thinking that whatever the apostles or saints did before they became saints could not be as bad as some of the things you have done. I mean, they are holy people, so how bad could they have been? Whenever I think like this, I am reminded of Paul. There are 13 books in the New Testament that are attributed to Paul. Not to mention, he was one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. But do you know the story of Paul? I find it an amazing story of how God can choose anyone to do his work. Paul was originally named Saul. The story of his conversion is found in Acts 9:1-19. If you don't know the story, you may want to read it.  Saul was not nice to Jews who were calling on Jesus. He was actually on his way to Damascus to bring back in chains any men or women he found that might belong to Christ. On his journey, he was struck by a light and a voice asking him, “Why are you persecuting me?” Jesus told Saul what he must do. When Saul got up, he could not see, and for three days, he remained this way. Then, the Lord sent Ananias to go and restore Saul's sight.  “So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, ‘Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, things like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.”  Saul was not looking for Jesus. Actually, he was actively persecuting him and everyone that believed in him. If God can take Saul and make him into a man who is known worldwide as one of the greatest Christian missionaries, then just think what he can do with you. Every single one of us has a past, and there is not a single thing you may have done or had done to you in your past that is too great for God to overcome. He chooses you! He gave you the same invitation that he gave to Andrew & Simon. Come and follow me. All you have to say is, “Yes, I will follow you,” and then hold on, and God will take you on an amazing ride.Dear heavenly Father, I ask that you bless everyone listening to this episode today. Lord, we ask that you help us to say yes to following you. We ask that you help us to see ourselves through your eyes. Lord, sometimes it is easy for us to see the good in others and for us to believe that others are good enough to follow you or to be used as your instrument. However, it is so much more difficult to see that in ourselves. Lord, fill us with love for ourselves.  Help us to say yes to you even when we don't understand what we're saying yes to.  Lord, you are amazing, and we trust that if you are choosing us, you have a reason. Give us the courage to say yes and to follow you.  We love you, Lord, and we ask all of that in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus! I want to remind you that it is not too late to join our Identity series in mentoring. We will have week #2 for the series tomorrow night. I hope you will join us. It is at 8 PM EST on Zoom. There is a link below with details. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in July 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “As we give our hearts to the Lord, I just get a sense he's healing them.”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Warriors, have you ever felt the weight of life's uncertainties pressing on your heart and mind? In those moments, the world offers temporary solutions, but God promises something far greater: His peace. Philippians 4:7 speaks of a peace that surpasses all understanding—a divine gift that calms our fears, soothes our anxieties, and keeps us grounded in His love and sovereignty.Today, we dive into this beautiful gift, uncovering its source, its purpose, and its profound power to transform our lives, even amidst chaos. Let's discover together what it means to experience the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Philippians 4:7"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."God's peace isn't just the absence of conflict or stress; it's the presence of His assurance, a calm that anchors us when everything else feels unstable. This peace is rooted not in our circumstances but in our trust in God's unchanging nature and promises.* A Gift Beyond Understanding:God's peace defies human logic. It doesn't depend on our ability to control situations but on our willingness to surrender them to God. When we release our burdens to Him, we make space for His peace to reign in our hearts.* A Guard for Our Hearts and Minds:Just as a soldier stands guard over a city, God's peace protects us from the attacks of anxiety, fear, and doubt. It serves as a shield, keeping us aligned with His truth and free from the chaos of the world.* Trusting in God's Sovereignty:True peace comes when we fully trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it. By focusing on His character—faithful, loving, and all-powerful—we find rest for our souls, no matter the storms we face.Conclusion:God's peace is a gift freely given, but it requires us to trust Him completely. It's not about avoiding the battles of life but facing them with the confidence that He is with us, working all things for our good.Question of the Day:What area of your life needs the peace of God today? How can you surrender it to Him?Let's Pray:Father God,Thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with uncertainties, we ask for Your calming presence to guard our hearts and minds. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and find rest in Your promises. Teach us to rely on You and not our own understanding. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.Brothers, the gift of God's peace is waiting for you. Trust Him, surrender your worries, and let His peace guard your heart and mind. Let's Get To Work!My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

La persévérance dans la foi "Car vous avez besoin de persévérance, afin qu'après avoir accompli la volonté de Dieu, vous obteniez ce qui vous est promis." Hébreux 10:36 Méditation du jour: La foi est puissante, mais sans persévérance, elle ne produit pas de fruits durables. La persévérance est la capacité de continuer à croire, à prier et à espérer malgré les retards, les obstacles et les difficultés. C'est elle qui différencie ceux qui abandonnent de ceux qui triomphent. Dieu nous rappelle que les promesses se manifestent à travers la persévérance. Tout au long de la Bible, les grands hommes et femmes de foi (Abraham, Joseph, David, Job, etc.) ont dû persévérer avant de voir les promesses de Dieu s'accomplir dans leur vie. Persévérer, c'est rester constant dans la foi, même quand tout semble dire le contraire. Prière du jour Seigneur, je te rends gloire, car tu es un Dieu fidèle. Tu ne changes pas, et tes promesses ne failliront jamais. Aide-moi à persévérer dans la foi, même lorsque les réponses tardent à venir. Je choisis de croire en ta parole, même quand mes yeux ne voient rien. Remplis mon cœur de patience et de courage. Merci de me donner la force de continuer à marcher dans la foi, sachant que ce que tu as promis, tu l'accompliras. Je rejette le découragement et j'accepte ta force divine. Au nom de Jésus-Christ, je prie. Amen. Dieu nous benisse ! Pasteur Armande Ansah

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#347) "All Creatures of Our God and King"Praise SongsConfession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriGathering to the Word - (#323) "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!"Sermon - "Life is Long" (Hebrews 12:1–13) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeReceiving of Our Tithes and OfferingsOffertoryDoxologyApproaching the TableServing the Sacrament of CommunionPrayer after CommunionBenedictionSinging of The Lord's PrayerAll Creatures of Our God and KingAll creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia!Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him! O praise Him!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Thou rushing wind that art so strong, Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, O praise Him! Alleluia!Thou rising morn in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice!O praise Him! O praise Him!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Thou flowing water, pure and clear, Make music for thy lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright, That givest man both warmth and light, O praise Him! O praise Him!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him! Alleluia!Praise, praise the Father, praise the son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One! O praise Him! O praise Him!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before Thee, Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy--there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Amen.

Good morning afternoon whatever timezone you may be in the holy spirit woke me up again this morning dealing with my attitude.towards other people. Sometimes we deal with people from a hurt place where we think we have a right to say what we like regardless of how other people are going to feel but we don't.it was said that Jesus use to hang around with the tax collectors and people other people said were sinners. So that means that jesus showed them love in order to change them and they did change but in this time we don't show that same love but God is calling us to change our behavior and attitudes towards other people that our love will change them. He is calling us to display the fruits of the spirit Galatians 5 verse 22to26. Father i pray you helps us to display your fruits in Jesus name we pray amen

January 13, 2025 Today's Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 36:13-28; Romans 4:1-25“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1)In the Name of Jesus. Amen. With Scripture, context is important. This glorious passage in Isaiah is on the heels of God's rebuke of His people for their failure to hear and see. Isaiah, like all the prophets, labors to bring Israel to repentance. He would preach a stern law in hopes people would see their sin, repent, and live. Read Isaiah, and you'll find there's no mistaking God's threats and punishments for Israel's deaf ear. Still, God's mercy, love, and promises never disappear, as Isaiah reminds God's wayward children of the LORD Who has created and redeemed them. The words “fear not” are Words of peace from the God reminding Israel, “I am the LORD our God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.” Don't be afraid; you're in the hands of God as His child, His redeemed child brought from death to life, living by faith in He Who promises to take you through the fire. Verse 2 is clear: the fires will come. It's not “if” but “when.” For Israel, exile is imminent for the impenitent nation, though God promises to be “their Savior.” He never abandons His promises in times of suffering and grief.In a fallen creation, suffering and grief are never distant. Many and various temptations besiege God's people. A popular one now is despairing over an undesirable body. This powerful temptation assails many people who look at themselves and long to be something different when it's God who forms and creates. The physical body, however “imperfect” it seems, is God's Gift and work. Sin wrecks all flesh, to be sure, as everyone ages and decays. However, we should thank God for the bodies we have while hearing His promise: “I have redeemed you.” You have been redeemed, purchased, and paid for in full by the blood of God's own Son. He calls you by Name, a Name put upon you in Holy Baptism at those words “in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” You live under the God Who reigns in the heavens and has the hairs on your head numbered. At the resurrection of the body when the Lord Jesus returns, there will be no discontent over who we are. God says it now: “You are mine.” You belong to God in Christ, Who died to obtain you for Himself. He will bring you through fire, and the rivers won't overwhelm you. Since Jesus lives, so does His Church. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.“God's own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He, because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth's treasures many? I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free Lasting to eternity!” (LSB 594:1)-Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Warriors, have you ever felt the weight of life's uncertainties pressing on your heart and mind? In those moments, the world offers temporary solutions, but God promises something far greater: His peace. Philippians 4:7 speaks of a peace that surpasses all understanding—a divine gift that calms our fears, soothes our anxieties, and keeps us grounded in His love and sovereignty.Today, we dive into this beautiful gift, uncovering its source, its purpose, and its profound power to transform our lives, even amidst chaos. Let's discover together what it means to experience the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Philippians 4:7"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."God's peace isn't just the absence of conflict or stress; it's the presence of His assurance, a calm that anchors us when everything else feels unstable. This peace is rooted not in our circumstances but in our trust in God's unchanging nature and promises.* A Gift Beyond Understanding:God's peace defies human logic. It doesn't depend on our ability to control situations but on our willingness to surrender them to God. When we release our burdens to Him, we make space for His peace to reign in our hearts.* A Guard for Our Hearts and Minds:Just as a soldier stands guard over a city, God's peace protects us from the attacks of anxiety, fear, and doubt. It serves as a shield, keeping us aligned with His truth and free from the chaos of the world.* Trusting in God's Sovereignty:True peace comes when we fully trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it. By focusing on His character—faithful, loving, and all-powerful—we find rest for our souls, no matter the storms we face.Conclusion:God's peace is a gift freely given, but it requires us to trust Him completely. It's not about avoiding the battles of life but facing them with the confidence that He is with us, working all things for our good.Question of the Day:What area of your life needs the peace of God today? How can you surrender it to Him?Let's Pray:Father God,Thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with uncertainties, we ask for Your calming presence to guard our hearts and minds. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and find rest in Your promises. Teach us to rely on You and not our own understanding. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.Brothers, the gift of God's peace is waiting for you. Trust Him, surrender your worries, and let His peace guard your heart and mind. Let's Get To Work!My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 29-30: Luke 12 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome, dear listeners, to the Daily Radio Bible. Today is January 12th, and I'm your host, Hunter, your brother and Bible reading coach. Whether you're a longtime follower or new to our podcast, we're thrilled to have you join us. Every day, we gather to read through the Scriptures, wrapping up the entire Bible in a year—Old Testament once, New Testament twice. Today's readings take us through Genesis chapters 29 and 30, and Luke chapter 12, as we explore themes of faith, God's provision, and the transformative power of having a rich relationship with God. Join us not just to read the Word, but to let it open our eyes and transform our hearts through the love of the God who is always with us. So let's dive in, seek the blessings of God's presence, and find strength in His peace and joy. Remember, you are loved. Let's start today's journey together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Whose blessing will you see and receive? God's or yours? Will you force things and be a fool, demand things and be deceived, or will you trust and rest, receive, and believe? Blessing doesn't come from our own hands. The rich fool learned that the hard way. Blessing comes from God, in his time and in his way. And if we don't receive our blessing from God, we are destined to demand it from ourselves and others. They cannot give it to us, and we cannot give ourselves all that we need. It's just like the rich ruler who built barn after barn thinking that this was getting him somewhere, but in the end, he died and left those riches to some unknown person. And Jesus says that he was a fool. We see the same thing with God's people. In today's scripture, Rebecca, Rachel, and Jacob, amidst their struggle and demanding, they finally found the blessing, but it didn't come through their striving and struggling or their manipulation. The blessing and the gift they desired came from the hand of God and God alone. He is the one who opened the womb and gave them their inheritance. He alone is the one who offers the blessing that we desire and need in this life. And Jesus says his blessing looks like a rich relationship with God. That's right from verse 21. God's blessing always looks like a rich relationship with God. When we trust and rest in Him, we receive more than we could ask for. We will find our truest riches and the blessing we desire in relationship with Him. The blessing comes from His hand, from His very being. If we don't receive our blessing from God, we will demand it from some other place, some other person, and that'll leave us barren in the end, wanting in the end, a fool when all is said and done. The blessing of His presence comes when we rest in Him, when we are awakened to who we are in Him, and we trust it. We believe in Him and what He's done for us, who He has made us, being included into His very life. When we see this, our eyes are opened, and we see even in the simple things like witnessing a bird feasting without care, the life of a sparrow, a raven, an eagle in flight. We see that God cares for the ravens, for the sparrows, for the lilies of the field. And oh, how much more He cares for you. So whose hand are you seeking that blessing from? Your own, some other person's, or is it God's? Will you seek your blessing from Him, trusting in Him, believing the good news that He's come to proclaim, that He has embraced you, He has forgiven you, that you are His, and that you are loved. When we begin to live in this reality, that blessing will begin to look like a rich relationship with God. Let's seek His blessing by faith. Let's rest in the deep, deep love of Jesus, who has always loved us so well. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, and my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

The Immeasurably More PromiseEphesians 3:16-21 (NIV) 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Paul prays for 3 very specific things. 1) To be strengthened in the power of the Holy Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in our hearts. The more space Christ occupies in our hearts the less room there is for the stuff that weakens us. 2) To have a deeper experience and gain a deeper understanding of the love of Christ. There is more to the love of God than salvation. 3) To be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God… Literally, this means to be completely saturated with God's presence, character, and love, essentially living a life fully aligned with God's will and experiencing the richness of His nature to the fullest extent possible. In a very heartfelt and descriptive way, Paul is praying for us to have more of God.God of the Ask…who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Hyper-ek-perissou = Immeasurably More Hyper = Over and above. Ek = adds the idea of exhaustlessness. Perissou = exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what is expected, imagined and hoped for. We pray to an immeasurably more God who wants us to experience more of Him and His love than we do right now and who wants to accomplish more in us, with us and through us than we could ever dream. But, but there is still more to more. Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little [notice the contrast to more] faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But [an alternative way to spend your first energy] seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Two equal and opposite errors in the perception of God. 1) God is a minimalist God. All we are promised are our immediate needs, we will have to wait for His “riches” until heaven.2) God is an abundant God. His central desire is for His children to blessed with abundance.Here is a “more better” perception of God. God's way of supplying immeasurably more is immeasurably beyond my ways and my comprehension. What God supplies is precisely what I needed.Here is a “more better” way to perceive yourself. What you have or don't have, in your hard and easy, on a mountain top or in a valley… have nothing, nil, zip, zero, zilch, nada, goose egg, to do with your worth and value to God. God isn't looking for worthy people on which to bestow His immeasurably more. God is looking for faithful people who have surrendered all they are and all they have for the expansion and explosion of the Kingdom of God in the people and places around them. 2 Main Problems of More.Problem #1 More is a problem when more is a substitute for trust/faith.God was trying to cultivate a people that would trust Him in the harshest of circumstances so they would follow Him in the best of circumstances. 2 Main Problems of More.Problem #2 More is a problem when the more is all about me.Luke 12:16-21 (NIV) 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”' 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”Proverbs 3:9-10 (The Message) Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. The problem with more is when we don't honor the person responsible for the overflowing barns with our first and we misuse or mistake the purpose of what fills the rest. Stewardship is more than good management. Stewardship is about using God's resources in a manner that honors Him, reflects His character and expands His Kingdom. Faithful stewardship of God's resources leads to more stewardship opportunities.“Money makes a great tool but a lousy boss and God makes a great boss but a lousy tool.” Here is the foundation you need for more.God is more important than His more. God's more is for more than just me. When I steward more, God trusts me with more to steward.God wants to do immeasurably more in you, with you and through you. And at the same time God wants to do immeasurably more for you so He can do more in you, with you and through you. “Everything is impossible until it isn't. If you want God to do the super you have to do the natural.” Mark Batterson: A Million Little Miracles: Rediscover the God who is bigger than big, closer than close and gooder than good says, Here are some of the natural movements in response to this message today.1. Repent of how you are stewarding what God has given you. Give your stewardship a 180° spin.2. Commit to expand God's Kingdom wherever and whenever and with whatever you currently have.3. Don't be afraid to ask God for more, especially if you are in a place of lack. God deems you worthy.

II VÍSPERAS BAUTISMO DEL SEÑOR (Oración de la tarde) INVOCACIÓN INICIAL V. Dios mío, ven en mi auxilio. R. Señor, date prisa en socorrerme. Gloria al Padre. Como era. Aleluya. SALMODIA Salmo 109 - Ant. Se oyó una voz que venía del cielo y se oyó la voz del Padre: «Éste es mi Hijo amado, en quien tengo mis complacencias, escuchadlo.» Salmo 111 - Ant. En el río Jordán aplastó nuestro Salvador la cabeza del antiguo dragón y nos libró a todos de su esclavitud. Cántico - Ant. Hoy se nos revela un gran misterio, porque l Creador del universo nos purifica de nuestros pecados en el Jordán. CÁNTICO EVANGÉLICO Ant. Cristo Jesús nos amó, nos ha librado de nuestros pecados por su sangre, nos ha convertido en un reino y nos ha hecho sacerdotes de Dios y su Padre; a él la gloria y el poder por los siglos de los siglos. Proclama mi alma la grandeza del Señor, se alegra mi espíritu en Dios mi Salvador, porque ha mirado la humillación de su esclava. Desde ahora me felicitarán todas las generaciones porque el Poderoso ha hecho obras grandes por mí. Su nombre es Santo y su misericordia llega a sus fieles de generación en generación. Él hace proezas con su brazo, dispersa a los soberbios de corazón. Derriba del trono a los poderosos y enaltece a los humildes. A los hambrientos los colma de bienes y a los ricos despide vacíos. Auxilia a Israel su siervo, acordándose de su santa alianza según lo había prometido a nuestros padres en favor de Abrahán y su descendencia por siempre. Gloria al Padre y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo como era en principio ahora y siempre por los siglos de los siglos. Amen. PRECES “Envía, Señor, tu Espíritu sobre nosotros.” Conclusion V. El Señor nos bendiga, nos guarde de todo mal y nos lleve a la vida eterna. R. Amén. (787)

magine gripping an Olympic barbell, its cold steel pressing into your palms. Now, with every word you speak, imagine spotters steadily adding weight—one pound at a time. Each phrase makes the bar pounds heavier until it becomes unbearable. That's the kind of weight spiritual leadership carries. This devotional is about 1100 words long. Just imagine trying to deadlift that—not a chance, right? That would be an record, If I were able to lift it. And yet, that's the reality of teaching God's truth. In James 3:1-2, we're reminded that those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. So, how do we step up to the bar without being crushed? Let's dig into that together. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:1-2. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. — James 3:1-2 James opens this chapter with a warning: not everyone should aspire to be a teacher. And what is his reason? Teaching God's Word comes with weightier spiritual responsibility and accountability because it carries the power to shape others' faith and lives. Misusing this gift can cause spiritual harm, so James emphasizes the weightier judgment for teachers. And honestly, these verses have always humbled and incited a holy fear in me—which is necessary for the spiritual teacher. Just so you know, I think about this every day as I approach God's Word—if I am rightly handling the weight of the Word. I do my very best to dig deep and let God's Word speak precisely as the original author intended so that I make applications to our lives that are as surgically correct as possible. But even though James warns spiritual teachers about the weight, he also acknowledges a universal truth: we all stumble or struggle to bear the burden of the weight, which reminds teachers and every one of us with a mouth about the weight of our words. For the Disperions of believers James addressed, this was a warning about the dangers of false teaching and spiritual pride. In a time of persecution and fragile church communities, their words mattered deeply. Teachers had to rely on God's truth, not their cleverness or ambition, to guide others rightly. Today, this truth is just as critical. God's Word reveals the way, the truth, and the life. Whether you are teaching it from a pulpit, leading from it in a small group, or mentoring someone one-on-one, the weight of your words about God's Word is real. Here's the key I always try to remember when communicating God's Word: it's not about my ability or strength to carry its weight. When I teach the Word, I rely on the All-Powerful God who spoke it. I let its weight rest on me and then share it with you. In the end, my prayer is that we both entrust our lives to the One who can truly bear that weight—Jesus Christ. Here's the good news: Jesus came to carry the burden we could never bear. He lived the perfect life we couldn't live—He never stumbled in word, action, or thought. And on the cross, He bore the crushing weight of sin for you and me, paying the price so we could be free from its burden. Today, you have the opportunity to let go of that unbearable weight. Jesus invites you with these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). You can let go of the barbell. All you need to do is surrender to Him. Confess your need for His grace. Believe in Him as your Savior. And follow Him as your Lord. If you're ready to make that decision, pray this with me: “Jesus, I can't carry this weight anymore. I've stumbled in many ways and need your forgiveness. Thank you for living the perfect life and dying for my sins. I believe you rose again, conquering sin and death. Today, I surrender my life to you. Be my Savior and my Lord. Amen.” If you just prayed this prayer for the first time, welcome to God's family! If you prayed because you needed to let go of some burdens again, praise the Lord! I want to walk alongside you on your discipleship journey. Follow us here daily as we grow together in God's Word and learn to trust Him more deeply. #SpiritualLeadership, #JesusOurStrength, #WordOfGod ASK THIS: How can you better rely on God's strength when teaching or sharing His Word? What burdens do you need to surrender to Jesus today? How have your words impacted others spiritually this week? What steps can you take to ensure your teaching aligns with God's truth? DO THIS: Let Jesus take the weight of the burden. PRAY THIS: Lord, I surrender the weight of my words and my life to You. Help me trust Your strength and speak Your truth faithfully. Amen PLAY THIS: Burdens.

Audio Recording Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 25:1-12 (ESV)1 O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name,for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.2 For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin;the foreigners' palace is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,5 like heat in a dry place.You subdue the noise of the foreigners; as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is put down.6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.7 And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations.8 He will swallow up death forever;and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.9 It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”10 For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.11 And he will spread out his hands in the midst of it as a swimmer spreads his hands out to swim, but the Lord will lay low his pompous pride together with the skill of his hands.12 And the high fortifications of his walls he will bring down, lay low, and cast to the ground, to the dust.Sermon OutlineHow do we live when the veil of death (v7) produces ignorance and confusion?1. Humblyv11 “the Lord will lay low his pompous pride together with the skill of his hands” v3 “cities of ruthless nations” (vv4-5)2. Faithfullyv6 “…the Lord of hosts will make… a feast of rich food…”v7-8 “he will swallow up on this mountain the covering… death forever…will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach… he will take away”v1 “for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure”3. Wiselyv9 “It will be said… ‘this is our God; we have waited for him… let us be glad…”v1 “O Lord, you are my God… I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.”v5 “You subdue the noise…”Prayer of ConfessionO Lord, we have been confused and fearful. We are guilty of pride and ruthlessness. We admit we have sinned. We have failed to know and trust you. We have followed the course of the world, causing harm and shame. We are guilty in our actions and in our secret thoughts. Take away the reproach and free us from sin and death. Your word, your plan, your purposes are trustworthy. We rejoice that you are so merciful to us. We wait on you, trusting in the grace you have shown us through Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat can we know about death? What can't we know? How does mortality affect you? What are implications of your view of what happens after we die?Why are people so prone to pride? What draws us towards pride, associating with the proud, and having buy-in on the values or ways of those who are proud?Why does pride move in the trajectory towards ruthlessness?What impact does pride have on how we view and understand God? What are some things we can learn from God “swallowing up death”?How does understanding God's plans help make sense of life? While we don't know all the details of our particular lives, how does knowing the framework help you navigate the present?What has God shown us that gives us cause to rejoice and have hope? How do we sustain hope in a world that has so much that is terrible in it?Is the Christian life worth living? Is it wise, good, worthy of our devotion? Why or why not?What are some outcomes of a life faithfully lived with Christ, according to his ways?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Pastor Dave emphasized the church's vision to help individuals recognize and reach their potential through a deep understanding of their position in Christ. He highlighted that thriving in 2025 requires recognizing God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, while also acknowledging our need to ask according to His will and in faith. Pastor Dave urged the congregation to guard and meditate on God's Word, as it provides the foundation for thriving and answering prayers, rather than relying on worldly distractions. In closing, he called for humility and repentance, encouraging everyone to bring their requests directly to God and to seek His guidance first in every area of their lives.Ephesians 3:20 Now unto HIM who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.Phil. 4:6 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;Matthew 6:8 For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.Matthew 21:21-22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.Job 35:12 There they cry out, but He does not answer,Because of the pride of evil men.James 4:6 God resists the proud or apposes the plans of the proudBut gives grace to the humbleJames 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord's Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord's model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we see the opening lines 'Our Father in heaven...' from Matthew 6:9a.“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat…” Luke 22:31“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail…” Luke 22:32To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 17:5“The vitality of prayer lies largely in the vision of God that prompts it. Drab thoughts of God make prayer dull.” - J.I. PackerPRAYER PROMPTSGod is our Father.He loves you as fully and unfailingly as he loves Christ.What he says about Christ – “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt 17:5) – he says about you through your faith in Christ.God is in heaven.He is all-powerful, all-knowing, unchanging, eternal, infinite, and transcendent.Heavenly beings are right to cry out over him, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:1).God is our Father.As his son or daughter, you have immediate and unconditional access to God. You can come to him at any time, in any way, for any reason.Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16).God is in heaven.God is utterly self-sufficient. Everything comes from him and depends upon him. He lacks nothing and needs nothing.“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Rom 11:36).Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name;your kingdom come;your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For yours is the kingdom, and the power,and the glory forever.Amen.For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/prayLife Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NCFollow us online:lifechurchnc.comFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

Sunday, 12 January 2025   but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20   “And you, amass – yourselves – treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel not, nor they steal” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that His disciples shouldn't amass for themselves treasures upon the earth. Now, He explains where amassing treasures is appropriate, beginning with, “And you, amass – yourselves – treasures in heaven.”   In the previous verse, Jesus said to not amass treasures “upon the earth.” Now He says to amass them “in heaven.” The realms are different, and the way to amass them in each of those places also differs.   Regardless of what dispensation a person lives, the only way to accomplish what Jesus says is through faith. Nothing earthly can be taken to heaven. Nothing done on earth meets the bar of heavenly rewards unless it is done in faith.   This is the primary lesson of Hebrews 11 where people from various dispensations are all rewarded for their faith. The actions were merely an outcropping of faith. It is faith, and faith alone, that bridges the span between the earthly and the heavenly realms in this regard.   To understand this, think of some prominent person who gives away a great deal for various charities, maybe Bill Gates. He has donated an extraordinary amount to AIDs research, for example.   His charitable foundation has totaled grant payments of $77.6 billion dollars. And yet, he is not a man of faith. As such, he has not amassed a single treasure in heaven. And more, if he doesn't come to Jesus before he dies, he will be chucked into the same Lake of Fire where Adolph Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, and all of the other “bad” people of the earth will go. There is no buying one's way into God's favor.  However, when deeds are done in faith, rewards are stored up for that person in heaven “where neither moth nor an eating – it evaporates, and where thieves – they tunnel not, nor they steal.”   In these words, Jesus has restated the same words as the previous verse but changed them according to the situation. The two verses, side by side, show the contrast –   You amass, not – yourselves – treasures upon the earth, where moth and an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel, and they steal.   And you, amass – yourselves – treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel not, nor they steal.   These words of Jesus, though spoken under the law to His disciples, carry the same truth as those in the church today. Paul explains when and how these “treasures” will be received as rewards by those in the church in 1 Corinthians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5.   Those who live by faith and act in faith are saving up rewards that will be handed out at the Bema seat of Christ. Nothing done in faith will lose its reward.   Life application: As noted above, Hebrews 11 explains how something earthly becomes a source of reward in heaven. The precept is explained and then repeated time and again –   Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3   This is then followed by line after line of examples of faith: By faith Abel / By faith Enoch / By faith Noah / By faith Abraham / By faith Sarah / By faith Abraham (again) / By faith Isaac / By faith Jacob / By faith Joseph / etc.   But what does Paul say in Romans and Galatians? He demonstrates that law and faith are mutually exclusive –   “For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.” Romans 4:13-15   “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:30-32   “...knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Galatians 2:16   “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.' 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.'” Galatians 3:11, 12   If you are attempting to merit God's favor through law observance, you have set aside grace. You will receive no rewards, no treasures in heaven, for your conduct. Because you are not living by faith, even if you were once saved by faith, you should expect no rewards at all for your faithless life as you arrogantly set aside the grace of God found in Jesus Christ. Live by faith, put away your deeds of the law, and start amassing treasures that are truly heavenly.   Heavenly Father, how dull we are to assume that we can outdo Jesus through law observance. He has done it all! He has fulfilled the law! In Him, we are imputed His righteousness. Why would we look for another righteousness that is not of faith? How dull we are. Help us to not be so dull. Amen.  

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John..." Rev 1:1-2:29 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

We should approach the Bible with hunger and excitement, but also with the mindset that His word can change us! "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21 If you would like to partner with us, please visit: https://myloh.church/give

Teacher: Dave BrownThis is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is nodarkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie anddo not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship withone another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be withoutsin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and justand will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have notsinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. My dear children, I write this toyou so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for oursbut also for the sins of the whole world. —1 John 1:5-2:2FellowshipLight versus DarkTruth versus LieSin, Confession, ForgivenessAtonementConsumerism/MaterialismNationalismStewardship/EcologySexualitySecurityThe people stood in the holy place and spoke the current religious cliche and supposed thateverything was just fine. They were in the right place, and they said the right words—but theywere not right…Religion is not a matter of arrangements or places or words, but of life andlove, of mercy and obedience, of persons in a passion of faith. —Eugene PetersonGod of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. Weconfess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We haveclosed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little and hoping for less. Forgive our doubtand renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace and live in the truth ofChrist the Lord. Amen.

January 12 Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To help support the ministry of the church, please click here https://groveportumc.org/give/ WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS OPENING PRAYER: Glorious God, we rejoice in your presence on this holy day. Reveal your presence to us in word and sacrament, in fellowship and worship. Speak words of life, so that we may sense your Spirit breathing new life into us each and every day. Speak your words of love, so that we may rest in the knowledge that we are your beloved children. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. PRELUDE & LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES “Lead On, O King Eternal” *OPENING HYMN “Guide Me, O, Thou Great Jehovah” - #127 CALL TO WORSHIP: L: We hear God's voice. P: It thunders through creation. L: God's voice is strong. P: It shatters the cedars of Lebanon. L: God is still speaking. P: Calling out our names. L: Listen for God. P: God calls us beloved. HYMN “Spirit Song” - #347 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Creator of the universe, we stand amazed at your power and glory. We are eager to worship you and offer our praise, but we are often reluctant to answer when we hear you calling our name. We sing our songs of tribute in the sanctuary, but shy away from the river, lest we be baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us when we forget your promise to be with us always, O God. Renew us with the power of your ever-present love, and strengthen us to proclaim your justice throughout the world. AMEN. WORDS OF ASSURANCE FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 29 OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.) HYMN “Sanctuary” PASTORAL PRAYER THE LORD'S PRAYER OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Special Music *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHILDREN'S MOMENTS (Children 1st-6 grades are invited to Junior Church at this time.) SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 3:15-17; 21-22 SERMON “Playing Second Fiddle” HOLY COMMUNION HYMN (sung during Communion) “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” - #365 *BENEDICTION *SENDING FORTH “As We Go” POSTLUDE “Serve the Lord with Gladness”

Your Nightly Prayer

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. Let all his angels worship him." A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1:14-20) Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. Mark relates in just a few words the beginning of Jesus' public ministry as he picks up the proclamation of the Gospel after John is arrested. Sounding very much like John, Jesus says, "The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” But he says something else, which foreshadows his earthly ministry. "This is the time of fulfillment." It is with this authority that Jesus calls the first disciples to follow him. And they do. Immediately, they leave their nets behind—the ones they are casting and the ones they are mending. Jesus calls them from the midst of their work; they hear his voice and obey. In what ways—in the midst of the work week—how attentively will we listen out for the voice of the Lord? Father in heaven, you sent Jesus to proclaim your kingdom and to bring hope and salvation to all people. Like Simon and Andrew and James and John, let me be attentive to your call and follow you at work and at rest. This is your Son, the one you love and in whom you are well pleased. Give me the grace, Lord, to see the love between you and your Son and the invitation by the Son to imitate him in perfectly accomplishing your will. Lord, let me hear and follow as you ask me to come after you. Jesus, I trust in you! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Relationship is about connection. Baptism is about a relationship or connection with God in Jesus Christ and the beloved community. Even though Jesus' baptism was not like ours, it is still about connection. The Hebrew people had been waiting many years for the prophesied Messiah. So here was John out in the wilderness baptizing people with the baptism of repentance. He really stuck out and people came to find him in the wilderness. John was bristling the church leaders. The Hebrew people were not hearing this kind of message from them, and they were waiting in hope and expectation. John clarified for them that he was not the Messiah that they had been waiting for. The Message puts it this way: “I'm baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. She's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. She'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false she'll put out with the trash to be burned.” Wow, so baptism is about cleansing, about cleaning our houses. It is not the kind of cleaning that we can hire someone else to do. Only the Holy Spirit can do this kind of cleaning. This is what it means to be in relationship with Jesus and to stay in right relationship with him.  The theological term for this is sanctification or being made holy. We are brought into a healthy relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Martin Luther has reminded us that this is a daily process. Making the sign of the cross reminds us of this. What can we learn from Jesus' baptism that will help us in our connection or relationship with him? Jesus waited and possibly encouraged all who were present to be baptized by John. This was really a baptism of preparation or cleansing for following Jesus.  As Jesus was praying, which was a common theme in Luke, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit or dove descended down on Jesus. Then a voice was heard, God's, saying, “You are my beloved Son, chosen and marked by my love, with you I am well pleased.” Luke is telling us that God confirmed for Jesus that he was God's son chosen and loved, and that God was pleased with him. Now we could gather that this voice was heard by all the people present, but we don't know that for a fact as Luke does not tell us of their immediate response. Instead, Luke goes into a genealogy that connects Jesus back to Adam and then is followed by Jesus' temptation story in the wilderness.  Jesus waited and encouraged all to be baptized and then he was baptized as one of the people. This baptism of John was about being prepared, about being cleansed and for us keeping our relationship with Jesus healthy. Thus, Jesus was modeling for us the need for this baptism and the Holy Spirit cleansing us. Jesus waiting and encouragement also modeled humbleness and a heart for the people. This baptism of repentance and the Holy Spirit is what keeps our connection to Jesus healthy. Our connection with Jesus really begins the day we are born. Baptism recognizes this connection. It recognizes God's grace for us. Our parents and often sponsors bring us to be baptized. Years ago, and sometimes still today, baptisms are done apart from the worship service. It is more appropriate for one's baptism to be done in the context of worship as it is really about welcoming the child or adult into the beloved community. Also, it is the responsibility of the congregation to provide and encourage one's growth in a person's relationship with Jesus, just as Jesus modeled at his baptism. Today we are going to affirm our baptism. We will publicly say to God and each other that we are followers of Jesus Christ.  We will be stating that we are continuing in this relationship or connection with Jesus, that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to come and clean our house. Through water and the Word, we strengthen our connection to Jesus. We are reminded that in this gift of baptism that we receive freely forgiveness, salvation and new life.            Let us now affirm our baptism and the promises that go with it.   AFFIRMATION OF OUR BAPTISM Pastor: God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. By water and the Word God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God's mission for the life of the world. Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father: We give you thanks, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and you created heaven and earth. By the gift of water you nourish and sustain us and all living things. By the waters of the flood you condemned the wicked and saved those whom you had chosen, Noah and his family. You led Israel by the pillar of cloud and fire through the sea, out of slavery into the freedom of the promised land. In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. By the baptism of his own death and resurrection your beloved Son has set us free from the bondage to sin and death, and has opened the way to the joy and freedom of everlasting life. He made water a sign of the kingdom and of cleansing and rebirth. In obedience to his command, we make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Continue to pour out your Holy Spirit on your baptized people, so that we remember the new life received at our baptism. We thank you for washing away our sings and making us inheritors of your kingdom. To you be given praise and honor and worship through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen Profession of Faith Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? Response: I renounce them. Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? Response: I renounce them. Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? Response: I renounce them. Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.   Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.   Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.   You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God's faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?   The assembly makes affirmation: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. The minister addresses the assembly. People of God, do you promise to support and pray for one another in your life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us. The presiding minister prays for God's blessing. Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in your people the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence both now and forever. Amen. Let us now make the sign of the cross remembering our Baptism.

January 12, 2025  Today's Reading: Luke 3:15-22Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 34:1-24; Romans 3:19-31“His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (Luke 3:17)In the Name of Jesus. Amen.John testifies to Jesus, the “mightier One” Who holds the keys to life and death and the winnowing fork separating wheat from chaff. God's prophet doesn't blunt the sharp edges of the Word and exhorts people with the Good News of Jesus, Who will baptized with the “Holy Spirit and with fire” (Luke 3:16). John was faithful and bold. Even Herod wasn't exempt from his rebuke over having “his brother's wife.” It would land John in prison and ultimately beheaded, as we hear in Mark 6:14-29. But John's preaching, that holy Word testifying to the Kingdom of God in the person of Christ, transcends any decree of earthy tyrants like Herod. John would suffer a grisly death, a martyr for the faith. But it's that faith that is victorious over the world (cf.1 John 5:4) precisely because faith grabs Jesus and His saving work. John would die only to live because Christ lives and promises life for His Church obtained by blood (Acts 20:28).Luke places Jesus' Baptism in the context of persecution. This is no accident. Jesus' Baptism would mark the beginning of His public ministry (cf. Acts 1:22), “fulfill all righteousness” (Matt.3:15), and following the descent of the Holy Spirit merit the Father's eternal voice “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus fulfills all righteousness at the cross, where the penalty for sin is paid by His blood. Holy Baptism today means life “in Christ,” a popular phrase in the New Testament marking the baptized believer as one covered in the righteousness of Jesus and now an heir to everlasting life.Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom still besiege God's Church on earth. Still, the devil and his tyrants cannot overcome the “mightier One” with the winnowing fork in His hand. God's enemies decree death to the saints, but the Church needn't be afraid. God in Christ decrees life, eternal life given in the waters of Holy Baptism where Christ is present to call us by Name, make us His children, and on the Last Day do what the Small Catechism also teaches: “...give eternal life to me all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.” In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. -Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.